The biggest mistakes we make during the festive season

As Christmas approaches we’re faced with feelings of excitement and for some, also a sense of dread. With personal and professional pressures culminating, finding a balance between being the good kind of busy and the overwhelming kind of busy becomes more difficult. Productivity Expert, Michelle McQuaid, has partnered with Officeworks to identify some of the unproductive behaviours that should be avoided this December to keep all you babes feeling balanced and blissful.

Saying “yes” to everyone and everything

When we already have a growing list of things we need to do, adding a few extra can make for testing times during the festive season. “Often the first words out of our mouth when someone asks for our help is: ‘Yes, I can help with that,’” says McQuaid. In order to conserve our energy (and save our sanity) saying “no” every now and then can make the weeks leading up to Christmas less stressful while allowing us to prioritise the things that matter the most.

Wasting energy worrying

The Christmas period is meant to be a well-deserved rest for all of us but packed schedules can leave us feeling worried about getting everything organised. Worrying about the things we need to do can leave us frazzled. McQuaid reminds us to prioritise the important. Realise that nothing on your list is life or death and your wellbeing is more important that anything.

Forgetting we’re meant to be enjoying it

Amongst trying to tie up all the loose ends at work, purchasing gifts, organising the kids, braving the Christmas crowds and going to dozens of separate Christmas events, it’s easy to see how we can lose sight of what the season is meant to be about, which is enjoyment and celebration. “Try replacing your “to-do” list with a “tah-dah” list, noting for yourself why these small actions matter. Using a “tah-dah” list will help you boost the sense of purpose you find in completing the tasks you set for yourself,” suggests McQuaid.

Not moving enough

“Researchers recommend that we move for two minutes every 20 minutes, it can be as simple as walking to the photocopier, refilling your glass of water, or standing up and having a stretch. Doing this every 20 minutes will improve your creativity and productivity, helping you make the most of your day,” says McQuaid. On top of that, keeping up with your exercise routine is important during the Christmas and New Years period. We don’t expect you to be training 6 days a week during the festive season but getting to a gym class or outdoor workout 2-3 times a week will do your mental well being a world of good. Bring on those endorphins!